The Council has given the final green light to an EU law that regulates the conditions under which proceedings in a criminal case initiated in one member state may be transferred to another member state. The law will be critical in ensuring that the best-placed country investigates or prosecutes a criminal offence. It also prevents […]
EU report shows growing focus on national security in Macao
The European Commission and the High Representative have today adopted their 24th annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on political and economic developments in the Macao Special Administrative Region. This report covers developments in 2023. The report illustrates the continuously increasing focus on national security, which risks weakening fundamental freedoms in Macao, eroding […]
EU security and defence: Council sets out five main priorities
The Council approved conclusions on EU security and defence in a context of an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and increased tensions in the Middle East, the Sahel and other areas of the world. Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against […]
Counter terrorism: deal to share air passenger data in advance
The Belgian presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators have provisionally agreed on two regulations that govern the collection and use of air passenger data for border management and law enforcement. The new rules will improve the handling of advance passenger information (API) data to perform checks on passengers prior to their arrival at […]
European Commission presents new initiatives for tomorrow’s digital infrastructures
The Commission presented a set of possible actions to foster the innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures. The future competitiveness of Europe’s economy depends on these advanced digital network infrastructures and services, since fast, secure, and widespread connectivity is essential for the deployment of the technologies that will bring us into tomorrow’s world: telemedicine, […]
Security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea: Council launches EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
The Council launched today EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. The objective of this defensive maritime security operation is to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf. Operation ASPIDES will ensure an EU naval presence in the area where numerous Houthi attacks have targeted international commercial vessels since October 2023. In close cooperation […]
New EU rules for financial services contracts
The Council has adopted a directive concerning financial services contracts concluded at a distance. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The text adopted simplifies existing legislation, increases consumer protection, and creates a level playing field for financial services concluded online, via telephone or through other forms of remote marketing. Today we adapt EU rules […]
European Parliament condemns Hamas attack, calls for humanitarian truce
Parliament has condemned Hamas’ despicable terrorist attacks against Israel while expressing serious concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. In the resolution adopted on Thursday with 500 votes in favour, 21 against and 24 abstentions, MEPs strongly condemn the brutal attacks, express their support to Israel and its people and underline the need […]
European Commission will adopt EU roadmap to step up fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks
The Commission will adopt an EU Roadmap to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks, building on the legislative and operational initiatives put forward so far. The drugs trade is one of the most significant security threats faced by the EU today. Seizures of cocaine in the EU are hitting record levels, with 303 tonnes […]